Woodman Park School gets new flagpole

DOVER — Woodman Park Elementary School is making the most of this summer by putting its school funds to good use.

After more than 60 years of displaying the American and state flags on the school grounds, the old flagpole was torn down last summer due to the potential danger of it falling over. A temporary one was put in its place until the school could collect sufficient funds to purchase another one.

“We had a 70-foot pole and it rusted out,” Principal Patrick Boodey said. “It started to lean so we wanted to replace it with something comparable.”

While somewhat shorter than the old pole, the new 60-foot fiberglass pole is far more durable than its metal predecessor.

“The life cycle is longer and it doesn’t deteriorate as metal does,” School Superintendent Antonio Fernandes said. “Based on what the different vendors carry, we went with fiberglass. It’s going to last a long, long time.”

Under Title XV Education, Section 189:17, the law states the School Board shall supply a U.S. and a N.H. state flag, each of which shall not be less than five feet in length.

“Which would mean at least a 30-foot pole,” Fernandes said.

The cost of the project ended up being $11,500 — which included materials, construction and installation.

Thanks to an aluminum can fundraiser led by parents Ted and Stacy Anglace, the school was able to raise an additional $3,000 to contribute to the school funds, which was a little more than $8,000. The American Legion of Dover also made a donation as well. These contributions gave the school the option of purchasing a higher quality flagpole.

“The aluminum can fundraiser allowed the kids to participate and feel a certain ownership for their work,” Boodey said.

Even with the students’ contributions, the school year ended before the administration was able to erect the new flagpole.

Boodey explained the summer allowed for more space during construction without disrupting daily activities or worrying about injuries.

“We’re really excited to have a permanent flagpole back,” Boodey says. “It has always been such an important part of our school.”

A specific date to raise the flags has not been made, but it is expected to occur sometime in the next couple of weeks.